N4246Z

On January 03, 2019, a Robinson R44 (N4246Z) was involved in an incident near Grace, ID. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.

The helicopter pilot reported that shortly after liftoff to the north from his property, he observed coyote tracks and "wanted to inspect." To better observe the coyote, he maneuvered at a low altitude which led him to cross over a powerline. After crossing the powerline for a third time, he spotted the coyote, turned left, took his attention off the power line, continued to turn left and the main rotor blades struck the powerline. He maintained control of the helicopter and landed without further incident.

A post accident examination revealed the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA110. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4246Z.